While not everyone develops an addiction, the question “Is Delta-8 addictive?” deserves some consideration. It can be confusing in today’s world to understand marijuana and how it works. The introduction of medical marijuana and legalized use of recreational marijuana in some states can make it seem like using this powerful narcotic must be safe for everyone. A major component of different types of marijuana, it can become a problem for many that leads to a need for professional addiction treatment.
What is Delta-8?
The topic of marijuana usage has become more prevalent in the past several years. Many states have allowed the legal sale of marijuana for recreational use, which invites discussion as to how safe it is. Marijuana is comprised of several chemicals, including THC. THC is the chemical that causes a person to experience a feeling of being high. Delta-9 THC is particularly effective in causing this sensation.
Delta-8 THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is similar to Delta-9 but the effect is not as strong. Delta-8 is considered a psychoactive substance that comes from the Cannabis sativa plant. Delta-8 is a cannabinoid produced by cannabis plants. Because the plant does not produce large amounts of it, manufacturing often comes from hemp-derived cannabidiols. It is extracted from hemp or cannabis, which are legal, which makes it a legal substance on its own.
The 2018 Farm Bill allows sales of legalized hemp, which falls under the definition of a cannabis plant that contains 0.3% Delta-9 THC or less. Levels of that amount are considered to be too low to produce a psychoactive effect. However, the Farm Bill does not directly address Delta-8 THC levels. As a result, vendors may legally sell it to people who often consume it as edibles, smoke it, or vape it. The FDA has neither evaluated nor approved products containing Delta-8. This means they have not been determined to be safe. This factors into the question “Is Delta-8 addictive?”
What Effects Does Delta-8 Cause?
Using Delta-8 can cause similar effects to those a person experiences when using Delta-9. A person may feel a sensation of being high. This can include feeling relaxed, euphoric, or sleepy. People often report a reduction in feelings of anxiety or depression when under the influence of Delta-8. When someone ingests this substance in high doses, they may experience things like music and colors in a more vivid manner, similar to drugs like ecstasy.
Many people who use Delta-8 develop side effects such as red eyes, dry mouth, coughing, and food cravings. When they ingest unusually large amounts, they may develop feelings of anxiety or panic, paranoia, and even hallucinations. Sadly, children and pets sometimes end up gaining access to products containing Delta-8. Both kids and animals are drawn to edibles that appear to be regular gummy bears or other treats and consume them, unaware of the effects they may produce.
Is Delta-8 Addictive?
Substances that alter how a person feels can be potentially addictive. Just because a product is legal does not mean an addiction cannot develop. These include items like alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine. People can become addicted to marijuana, as well as directly to Delta-8 they ingest in different ways. Addiction may take longer to develop than with other drugs, including opioids or stimulants. Still, the risk for addiction is real.
The more often someone uses Delta-8, the more their tolerance increases. Delta-8 is a mood or mind-altering substance, which by definition means it contains the risk of becoming addicted to it. Like with any other potentially addictive substance, the person begins to use the drug more often at higher dosages in order to achieve the same effect. Chronic use of Delta-8 causes a person to become at risk of developing physical and or emotional dependency on it. If the person stops using it or greatly reduces the amount they use, withdrawal symptoms often begin. These can include moodiness, anxiety, depression, difficulty sleeping, and a loss of appetite.
Treatment for Delta-8 Addiction
Someone who has found that the answer to the question “Is Delta-8 addictive” is yes will need to seek treatment. Outpatient programs can help a person understand reasons that contributed to developing an addiction. These programs can be attended while a person lives at home. For many, a more productive approach involves moving into a sober living home while going to outpatient addiction treatment.
Sober living housing provides safe, modern homes in popular neighborhoods. Residents enjoy the peer support that comes with living with others dedicated to staying sober. Sober living homes can provide access to treatment modalities including individual therapy, group therapy, medication management, and recovery coaching. Treatment like this helps the individual to understand how to replace substance abuse with healthy coping skills. When they return home, they find themselves better equipped to face life on sober terms.
Treatment for Marijuana and Delta 8 Addiction
Are you asking yourself “Is Delta-8 addictive?” because you are concerned that you or someone you love needs help? Creekside Recovery Residences understands that addiction comes in many forms. What may seem like legit usage of medical marijuana or using it recreationally in states where it’s legal can turn into a substance use disorder. When this happens, treatment can include choosing to live in a sober living home. We offer luxurious housing that allows you to recover among like-minded peers while having access to outpatient drug rehab services.
If you want to find out more about how we can help you change your life, visit our admissions page now.